State Police Respond to Shots Fired Report, Arrest 37-Year-Old for Menacing Child with CO2 Weapon

A domestic dispute in Homer, New York turned dangerous when a 37-year-old man pointed what appeared to be a firearm at a minor and fired a shot in their direction. While the weapon turned out to be non-lethal, the incident highlights the serious nature of domestic violence cases involving children and the quick response of law enforcement to protect vulnerable victims.

The arrest of Jeremiah Robert Rundell on September 13, 2025, serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence affects entire families, especially children who often become silent victims in volatile household situations. This case demonstrates both the effectiveness of emergency response systems and the complex legal landscape surrounding weapons used to intimidate and threaten.

The Incident Unfolds

Emergency Response to Foster Road

At approximately 9:38 p.m. on September 13, New York State Police received a call that would mobilize multiple units to Foster Road in Homer. The Cortland County 911 Center dispatched troopers to what was reported as “a domestic incident with possible shots fired” – words that immediately escalate any police response.

When troopers arrived on scene, they found themselves facing a potentially dangerous situation. Rather than rushing the residence, they employed tactical communication methods, using their patrol vehicle’s PA system to order Rundell out of the home. This measured approach proved effective, as Rundell ultimately complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

The Victim’s Ordeal

The investigation revealed disturbing details about what transpired inside the Foster Road residence. During what police described as a “disagreement” between Rundell and his victim – a person under 18 years old – the situation escalated dramatically.

According to the police report, “Rundell pointed what appeared to be a firearm and fired one shot in the victim’s direction.” The minor, showing remarkable presence of mind during a terrifying situation, was able to flee to safety. This quick thinking likely prevented the situation from becoming even more traumatic.

Fortunately, troopers confirmed that the victim was not physically injured during the incident. However, the psychological impact of having a weapon pointed at you and fired cannot be understated, particularly for a young person.

Understanding the Charges

Menacing in the Second Degree

Rundell faces charges of Menacing in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor under New York law. This charge applies when someone intentionally places another person in reasonable fear of physical injury or death by displaying what appears to be a deadly weapon.

The key elements of this charge include:

• Intentional conduct designed to frighten
• Creating reasonable fear in the victim
• Use of what appears to be a dangerous weapon
• No requirement that the weapon be real or functional

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

The second charge, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, reflects the serious nature of involving minors in violent situations. This misdemeanor charge recognizes that children require special protection under the law and that adults have a responsibility not to place them in harmful situations.

New York law considers it endangering when an adult:

• Knowingly acts in a way that risks a child’s physical, mental, or moral welfare
• Fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to a child in their custody

The Weapon Question

CO2-Powered Self-Defense Device

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of this case involves the weapon itself. While initial reports suggested shots were fired with what appeared to be a traditional firearm, the investigation revealed something different entirely.

“Troopers determined that the item that appeared to be a gun was a non-lethal self-defense weapon that is capable of firing projectiles using CO2,” according to the police statement.

This finding raises important questions about:

• The realistic appearance of non-lethal weapons
• Legal consequences when replica weapons are used to threaten
• The victim’s reasonable fear regardless of the weapon’s actual lethality

Legal Implications of Replica Weapons

Under New York law, the appearance of dangerousness matters more than actual capability when it comes to menacing charges. Whether a weapon is real, fake, or non-lethal becomes irrelevant if it appears threatening to a reasonable person in the victim’s position.

This principle protects victims who experience genuine fear and trauma, regardless of the perpetrator’s actual ability to cause harm. It also ensures that those who use intimidation tactics face appropriate consequences.

The Broader Context of Domestic Violence

Children as Hidden Victims

This incident underscores a troubling reality: children are often the unseen casualties of domestic disputes. Even when they’re not the primary target, young people in violent households experience:

• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Disrupted sleep and eating patterns
• Academic performance issues
• Long-term emotional trauma
• Increased risk of future relationship violence

Research consistently shows that children who witness domestic violence suffer effects similar to those who experience abuse directly.

The Role of Law Enforcement

The Homer State Police response demonstrates best practices in domestic violence calls:

1. Quick Response: Immediate dispatch upon receiving the 911 call
2. Tactical Communication: Using PA systems rather than forcing entry
3. Victim Safety: Ensuring the minor was unharmed and protected
4. Thorough Investigation: Determining the true nature of the weapon used
5. Appropriate Charges: Filing charges that reflect the seriousness of threatening a child

Community Impact and Prevention

Breaking the Cycle

Domestic violence cases involving children require community-wide responses. This incident in Homer highlights the need for:

• Education Programs: Teaching conflict resolution skills
• Support Services: Providing resources for families in crisis
• Legal Advocacy: Ensuring victims understand their rights
• Mental Health Resources: Addressing trauma for all family members

Warning Signs to Watch

Community members should be aware of warning signs that might indicate domestic violence:

• Frequent arguing or yelling from neighboring homes
• Children who seem fearful or withdrawn
• Adults who control their partner’s activities or finances
• Visible injuries that are explained away
• Social isolation from friends and family

Legal Process Moving Forward

Centralized Arraignment

Following his arrest, Rundell was processed at SP Homer and transported to the Cortland County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. This system ensures that defendants appear before a judge quickly, typically within 24 hours of arrest.

During arraignment, the court will:

• Inform Rundell of the charges against him
• Determine bail or release conditions
• Schedule future court appearances
• Consider protection orders for the victim

Potential Consequences

If convicted of both misdemeanor charges, Rundell could face:

• Up to one year in jail for each count
• Probation requirements
• Mandatory counseling programs
• Restrictions on contact with the victim
• Potential loss of certain civil rights

Moving Toward Solutions

Community Resources

For families experiencing domestic violence in the Cortland area, several resources provide support:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Local Crisis Centers: Offering emergency shelter and counseling
• Legal Aid Services: Providing free legal representation
• Child Advocacy Centers: Specializing in supporting young victims

Prevention Through Education

This case reinforces the importance of teaching healthy relationship skills and conflict resolution from an early age. Schools, community organizations, and families all play vital roles in preventing domestic violence.

The arrest of Jeremiah Robert Rundell serves as both a successful law enforcement response and a sobering reminder of the realities facing many families. While the quick thinking of a young victim and the professional response of Homer State Police prevented physical injury, the emotional wounds from such incidents can last a lifetime.

This case demonstrates that domestic violence is not just a private family matter – it’s a community concern that requires collective action. From the 911 operators who took the initial call to the troopers who safely resolved the situation, every link in the response chain played a crucial role in protecting a vulnerable child.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or reach out to local law enforcement. Remember: it’s not just about protecting yourself – it’s about protecting the children who depend on adults to keep them safe.